From pump technicians to academic perfusionists: The evolution of the perfusionist profession in Türkiye

The perfusionist profession is a vital healthcare field responsible for managing devices that temporarily maintain a patient's circulation and respiration outside the body. In Türkiye, the perfusionist profession has evolved significantly over the past decade-from a technician-based role known colloquially as "pump operator" and learned through a master-apprentice model-into a recognized and professional discipline.In recent years, the perfusionist profession has gained academic identity and now plays a critical role in extracorporeal circulation procedures. This article provides a detailed analysis of the historical development, educational and legal evolution, and the professionalization process of the perfusionist profession in Türkiye.Moreover, by highlighting the roles of organizations such as the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (EBCP) and the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP), the study offers a comparative evaluation of the structure, education, and standards in Türkiye with those in Europe and the United States of America (USA).Based on national regulations, international guidelines, and an extensive review of the literature, this study presents a descriptive analysis that aims to determine where the perfusionist profession in Türkiye stands in the context of global standards. The process, spanning from the 1960s to the present, reflects the transformation of the profession from a technical "pump operator" role into a well-established academic discipline.